If you’re looking for a dinner that is elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your new best friend. With juicy shrimp, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for impressing guests or indulging in comfort food cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick and easy – ready in just 30 minutes.
- ✅ Flavor-packed with garlic, cream, and parmesan.
- ✅ Elegant enough for date night or dinner parties.
- ✅ Pairs perfectly with salad, wine, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Fettuccine or Spaghetti | 12 oz (340 g) |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1 cup |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet. Add shrimp, season with salt & pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Pour in heavy cream, stir, then add grated parmesan. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return shrimp to the skillet, add pasta, and toss. If needed, loosen with reserved pasta water.
- Finish: Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they turn rubbery quickly. Cook until just pink.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best creamy texture.
- Reserve pasta water – it’s the secret to a silky sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick.
Substitutions & Variations
- Pasta: Swap fettuccine for linguine, spaghetti, or penne.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream and vegan cheese.
- Protein Swap: Try chicken, scallops, or even lobster instead of shrimp.
- Vegetarian: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Overcooking shrimp – they only need 2–3 minutes per side.
- ❌ Adding cream too early – let garlic cook first for better flavor.
- ❌ Skipping pasta water – it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
- ❌ Using pre-shredded parmesan – it doesn’t melt smoothly.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~580
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a glass of crisp white wine. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. Elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly simple, it’s the perfect recipe for weeknights or date nights. Save this recipe and make it your go-to dinner whenever you crave indulgence. 🍤🍝✨
